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Tag Archives: rally

Saturday 14th July saw cities across the country unite in opposition to National’s state owned asset sales which have been steam rolled through Parliament under “urgency”. Christchurch saw several hundred take to the streets to demand a halt to the National Party’s austerity measures. The government have been busy justifying cuts in public services, anti union law changes, pay freezes and beneficiary bashing under the guise of nationwide deficits and the global crises ever since it took office four years ago. The smoke and mirrors are faltering and National’s ratings are finally beginning to drop. If this weekend’s event has anything to prove it’s this: “The summer in Otautahi is going to be a hot and eventful one”.

Note worthy comments came from CAFCA – Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa. Spokesperson Muray Horton reminded us that we should be very wary of the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA). The “free trade” agreement is currently under negotiation between NZ and 8 other countries, including the U.S. which is being sold as a great oportunity but in reality will be a straight jacket on domestic law. What few labour laws remain will be wiped as the TPPA partners demand markets to be prized open and legislation to be put firmly in the hands of big business interests.

Much to the disdain of attending labour party supporters Muray remarked on Roger Douglass’ influence during the past 30 years. Deregulation, public wealth given to private speculators and an errosion of our communities all seem to have been forgotten by the current generation of Labourites. Almost all Western democracies are being attacked by cuts and austerity – regardless of what colour tie or badge the politician happens to be wearing – they are all doing the same to the people they supposedely represent. The CAFCA spokesperson had momentarially broke the social amnesia that has gripped the left in this country. Labour MP Megan Woods spoke immediately after Muray which only served to highlight the blustering and chest beating of Labour who all of a sudden seem to think asset sales and the plight of the workers and unemployed as something that is bad. Fancy that!

Hats off to event organiser Sharna Butcher – Really Great Job!!!

TC3 Residents have organised and are taking their fight to the streets:
O.S.N have just received this;

BIG NEWS – Fix our Homes along with Wecan will be holding a rally “EQC/insurance – the man made disaster” on 5 August . It will be held in town (location being confirmed) accumulating in a unique petition being driven to Wellington. More details to follow. If you are serious about your involvement and are committed to this cause please commit to meeting this Saturday at 3pm to discuss the logistics (location also to be confirmed). This situation will not be rectified without people power – this is our time to say enough is enough. But we need your involvement. We cannot win this battle on our own. Details will be updated on our facebook page TC3 residents.

Our friends at recomposition have just re-publishsed a great article on the phenoena sweeping Canada and the States – The Flying Squad

Recently much interest and discussion has been generated by the emergence of union flying squads in Ontario. Flying squads — rapid response networks of workers that can be mobilized for strike support, demonstrations, direct action and working class defense of immigrants, poor people, and unemployed workers — present a potentially significant development in revitalizing organized labor activism and rank-and-file militancy.

Here are organizations with rank-and-file participation working to build solidarity across unions and locals and alongside community groups, engaging in direct action while striving to democratize their own unions. No wonder then that the re-appearance of flying squads in Ontario, in a context of halting resistance to a vicious neoliberal attack, notably among some sectors of the labor movement, has been cause for much excitement.

It’s amazing what can happen in such a short space of time. You may notice some changes on the Otautahi Solidarity Network blog, links to our new facebook group, twitter and flickr accounts can be found below. With events, plans and actions coming through thick and fast we’re taking advantage of the various social media networks available to us. Keep your eyes peeled and pens and paper at the ready!

Word of mouth will always be the greatest source of news and information, get used to talking to workmates, neighbours and family about the emerging movement that’s breaking surface in our city.

In recent days members of Beyond Resistance, Unite Union and Otautahi Solidarity Network attended a day of training, networking and planning with numerous unions and community organisations. Facilitation was provided by the wonderful people at Kotare Trust who gave the group’s the tools to find enough common ground to have strategy’s for the year ahead – bridges are being built, information spread and idea’s are becoming reality.

Some of the O.S.N team attended the Kaiapoi Residents Rally on Sunday 25th September to lend support to the community that have been left in the red zone and have suffered miserably since September 2010. Stories of insurance companies refusing to recognise the National Party zoning and information being with held or mysteriously disappearing from government websites were raised – stories that have become all too familiar. You can find TV3 News coverage here.

Meeting to discuss future of ChCh High School faculty, support staff and cleaners:

Thursday, Oct 6th 7pm Papanui High School.

Bexley Residents Rally:

Sunday 9th Oct from 2pm – 3pm. In the area? Lend your support

United for Global Change:

Saturday 15th October – global day of action

Taken from the 15th October website –

On October 15th people from all over the world will take to the streets and squares. From America to Asia, from Africa to Europe, people are rising up to claim their rights and demand a true democracy. Now it is time for all of us to join in a global non-violent protest.
The ruling powers work for the benefit of just a few, ignoring the will of the vast majority and the human and environmental price we all have to pay. This intolerable situation must end.
United in one voice, we will let politicians, and the financial elites they serve, know it is up to us the people to decide our future. We are not goods in the hands of politicians and bankers who do not represent us.
On October 15th, we will meet on the streets to initiate the global change we want. We will peacefully demonstrate, talk and organize until we make it happen.
It’s time for us to unite. It’s time for them to listen.
People of the world, rise up on October 15th!

Plans are currently being hatched, idea’ such as a march through the streets of Riccarton followed with a picnic in Hyde Park with music, food, families and space to meet and discuss for the future. Other’s have suggested a rally in New Brighton – have your say by emailing this blog or following on our social media sites!

You may have heard about what’s happening in Wall Street, New York? If not, it’s not surprising, the media blackout has been incredible. Here’s a really nice movie to sum up the recent events and give some context to the significance of the October 15th day of action. Link here

Unions and Community Organisations are rapidly putting their voices to the growing international movement – From Egypt to Greece, Syria to Washington, the South Pacific is one of the few remaining area’s yet to feel the tide of change – is Otautahi going to be the first city to rise up!?!

The first post of the Otautahi Solidarity Network blog aims to look at the past 12 months, comment on where we are at and look to the summer months ahead. We are an evolving group that encapsulates our rich and diverse community, we have an open outlook that encourages debate, planning and action. Our strength rests firmly with people getting involved; we ask that you subscribe, participate, post and share this blog with friends, family and colleagues. For those out of town, we welcome support and discussion, Solidarity Networks are springing up throughout Aotearoa, we will help to put you in touch with your local groups and be there if you want our assistance to set up your own.

In recent days a meeting took place under the banner of the Otautahi Solidarity Network. It was here that people shared idea’s and hopes, where the name for the group was agreed and where a dramatic shift in momentum was felt. The Network aims are still yet to be defined, however we can tell you that talk of community work shops, time banks, protest, gardening, free markets, concerts, street theatre among many, many idea’s have been discussed.

With the summer months just around the corner things are heating up in the city

On August 20th residents of Avonhead and Ilam took to the streets to protest against yet another liquor outlet to be granted a licence in their community;

There is already a wide liquor ban in force just a block away from the proposed site and there are 10 other alcohol outlets in the area.

Like previous protests held in South Auckland in July last year, the Christchurch residents claim more outlets can only lead to more alcohol-related problems.

Monday 5th September saw a rowdy crowd welcome the National Cabinet who came to Otautahi to take full media advantage of the one year anniversary of the 7.1 quake. It was here that the desire for a tangible, coherent network of individuals and groups was made loud and clear.

A few days later Avondale yet again saw a mass protest. Frustrations with Insurance Companies, inconsistent messages received by the Government and an overall lack of information from CERA saw over 200 people gather to vent their growing anger.

People waved signs, and slammed CERA and the government’s red zone offers.

Riverside residents have been joined by red zone residents from around the city, stating they will not accept the offer until a number of issues are addressed. (Full article here – link)

The media seem to be surprised at the level of protest that is beginning to show itself

When they stop to ask what the reason’s are they look puzzled at people’s emotional outbursts. We’ve been told time and time again how resilient we are and we have been bombarded by images of the CBD, the vague smiles of Parker and given little relevant information. As a direct result TV3’s Campbell Live has become the default voice of the voiceless… however beneath the radar people have been busting a gut in preparation for the outrage that is only beginning to stir.

Local groups such as Beyond Resistance, Unite Christchurch and Action for Christchurch East, have been pooling their resources and skills, resulting in numerous rallies, public assemblies and sources of inspiration and aid for the forgotten throughout the year.

Beyond Resistance is a national Anarchist Collective working to support workers rights, beneficiaries and the unemployed. The group has been in existence in Otautahi for two years. It runs a monthly discussion night, an informal beer and book evening and has been heavily involved in getting aid to those in need.

Unite Christchurch represents workers in the service industry. The union membership has been hit hard by the recent events, losing all of its hotels, language schools and many fast food outlets. It has fought hard to ensure those effected have been treated well and looked after by their employers.

Action for Christchurch East first formed weeks after the 7.1 quake. It became a hub for people to share idea’s and create actions. From a facebook group and network on the streets the collective began writing articles and posting events on the Action for Christchurch East blog – this can be found here – link

We are now witnessing the city shake off the official image presented on our t.v screens. People are taking back their pride, their communities and their own destiny’s.

Kaiapoi residents are planning a massive rally this weekend:

Sunday, September 25th from 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Band Rotunda on Charles Street, Kaiapoi.

There are also rumours of a mass demonstration/march/protest in the next few weeks. Watch this space for announcements.

A brand new internet group has also emerged. Christchurch Gets Ready have sprung up as a direct result of in-action from the powers that be. After 1000’s of aftershock’s there is still no emergency broadcast system, no information regarding what resources we have and what people can offer. The people at Christchurch Gets Ready have captured the thoughts and imagination of many; a one-stop-shop where people can list their needs, skills and resources. With a simple glimpse we can now see what our neighbours and communities have to respond to whatever mother nature has to throw at us.

Information is power and so far that information has been a closely guarded secret between the Government and Insurance Companies with Parker and the media working overtime to ensure we don’t start asking questions loud enough for people to take note.

The Otautahi Solidarity Network blog will become a source of information, we will help to point you to relevant news, groups of interest, work shops and meetings. At the end of the day blogs, face book groups and twitter’s let you know what’s happening but it’s what you choose to do with that information that makes the difference.

Subscribe, make notes in your diaries, invite friends and get yourselves amongst the Otautahi Solidarity Network!